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Reality TV turn can turn into tragedy when Teen Mom and CPS (Child Protective Services) cross paths. The long-running reality show has weathered a lot of controversy over the years, including run-ins with law enforcement. A 2019 report reveals showrunners have had to intervene in a number of frightening situations over the years. 

‘Teen Mom’ producers have reached out to CPS on several occasions

A source who claimed to have worked on the set of Teen Mom revealed that sometimes, the police are called to the set because of scary situations that happen during filming.

“We’ve called the police on cast members over the years, and let the cops handle the situation,” the source said, according to The Things. “We have also called CPS on cast members plenty of times when we see things in regard to the children that don’t seem right. Viewers don’t see everything. They would probably never know what’s happening behind the scenes. The cast member may not even know it was us, to be honest.”

The source didn’t give specifics but it is clear that the world of Teen Mom is not for the faint of heart — for viewers, employees, or cast members alike.

CPS investigated ‘Teen Mom’ stars Amber Portwood and Jenelle Evans

Teen Mom star Amber Portwood became the subject of a CPS investigation due to her behavior on the show. Amber was seen to be physically abusive toward her partner, Gary Shirley.

The Anderson, Indiana police department and local CPS branch investigated Amber. CPS charged her with three counts of domestic abuse in 2010 based on events that took place on Teen Mom.

In 2023, Teen Mom cast member Jenelle Evans found herself under investigation by the CPS. It came after her son Jace went missing for the third time. TMZ reported in November that CPS intended to place Jace in foster care.

Jenelle previously claimed that CPS was called on her multiple times while filming Teen Mom 2 in 2018.

When did ‘Teen Mom’ debut on television?

In June 2009, 16 and Pregnant debuted on MTV. The show was only on the air for six months before producers aired the first spinoff, Teen Mom. After premiering on television in December 2009, Teen Mom ran for an initial four seasons, followed by another four seasons that began in March 2015.

Many of the moms who have been featured on the show over the years have gone on to become minor celebrities, including Farrah Abraham (who has also been responsible for much of the show’s controversy) and Bristol Palin.

In short order, the success of Teen Mom spawned several spinoffs. Over the years, the franchise has included shows such as Teen Mom 2, Teen Mom 3, Teen Mom: Young and Pregnant, and Teen Mom: Young Moms Club.

While fans love Teen Mom and find themselves invested in the show’s plotlines, critics have slammed the franchise over the years for supposedly glorifying teen pregnancy. A few of the scandals that have involved Teen Mom stars have only served to add fuel to the fire, but in spite of it all, showrunners have soldiered on, producing new episodes and following along with all the drama. 

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